After Sandy, East Coast kids need a 'Plan B' for Halloween

Kids in the Northeast have one thing to say to Hurricane Sandy: Boo on you for ruining this year’s Halloween!

In light of the destruction and loss of life caused by the storm, the loss of trick-or-treating may not seem like a big deal. Unless, of course, you're a little kid who has been planning his costume and candy haul all year, in which case it may seem like a very big deal.

Since many events will presumably be cancelled due to the post-storm mess, parents are stuck with coming up with alternative plans. TODAY contributor and lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew (watch the video above) suggests parents should give kids a “Plan B” alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating.

The big question, says Mayhew, is whether neighborhoods have power. If not, perhaps try a trend that’s already happening around the country: Trunk or Treat. Choose a safe area in the community where cars can gather -- a cul-de-sac or parking lot. Then kids go from “trunk to trunk” to get candy.

If you can’t get outside, another idea is to have a scavenger hunt for kids inside your home. There’s also plenty of crafts to do, such as decorating empty cereal boxes and milk cartons, similar to a gingerbread house, with all the Halloween candy you aren't going to be passing out.